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82°F Partly Cloudy · Detroit
DETROIT, MI · METRO DETROIT EDITION · THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026
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Detroit
Hunting
Report

Live conditions, season status, solunar ratings, WMA profiles, and community hunting coverage for Wayne and Game Zone 2.

Hog: UNK Turkey: UNK Dove: UNK Deer: UNK Game Zone 2
6 WMAs Profiled
Live Hunt Conditions
Solunar Rating
2026 Season Guide
First Look • Hunt Conditions
🌒
Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 53%
9:53 am
1:13 am
70°F
11 mph
Weather as of 10:30 PM ET
Good — increasing moonlight; deer active morning and evening.
66
GOOD
Good conditions. Plan your approach and be patient.

Detroit Hunting Season Status

Whitetail Deer
UNK
Season DatesUNK — verify with MDNR.
Bag Limit:UNK — verify with MDNR.
No verified Whitetail Deer season data seeded for this clone. Contact your operator to load MDNR canonical dates.
Do not hunt without confirmed regulations from MDNR.
Feral Hog
UNK
Season DatesUNK — verify with MDNR.
Bag Limit:UNK — verify with MDNR.
No verified Feral Hog season data seeded for this clone. Contact your operator to load MDNR canonical dates.
Do not hunt without confirmed regulations from MDNR.
Spring Turkey
UNK
Season DatesUNK — verify with MDNR.
Bag Limit:UNK — verify with MDNR.
No verified Spring Turkey season data seeded for this clone. Contact your operator to load MDNR canonical dates.
Do not hunt without confirmed regulations from MDNR.
Mourning Dove
UNK
Season DatesUNK — verify with MDNR.
Bag Limit:UNK — verify with MDNR.
No verified Mourning Dove season data seeded for this clone. Contact your operator to load MDNR canonical dates.
Do not hunt without confirmed regulations from MDNR.
Season dates shown are for Game Zone 2 private lands. WMA dates, license requirements, and antlerless regulations may differ. Always verify current regulations with MDNR before hunting.
Report a Season Update

Detroit Hunting Weather Now

70F
Mostly Cloudy
Feels like 70°F
as of 10:30 PM ET
Wind 11 mph WNW
Humidity 52%
Pressure 1006 hPa
Moon Waxing Crescent
Location Detroit, SC
Field Scout Tips
  • Nothing is in season today — pure scouting window. Walk property lines, check trail cams, and hang stands for the opener.
  • Use closed season to inventory deer, locate gobblers on the roost, and pattern hog sign for when seasons return.

Detroit Hunt Conditions Today

Temperature
70°F
Warm
Wind Speed
11 mph
Moderate
Barometric
1006 hPa
Normal
Moon Phase
🌒
Good
GOOD
Good conditions. Plan your approach and be patient.

Detroit Hunt Forecast — 5 Days

TONIGHT
Mostly Clear
66° / 56°
12 mph wind • 0% humidity
FAIR
JUN
Sunny
77° / 56°
11 mph wind • 0% humidity
FAIR
SAT
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
78° / 57°
6 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW
SUN
Partly Sunny
78° / 59°
5 mph wind • 0% humidity
FAIR
MON
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
75° / 56°
14 mph wind • 0% humidity
SLOW

Detroit Michigan Wildlife Management Areas

Six public hunting areas within reach of Detroit — from in-county dove fields to mountain bear country an hour west.
Cliff Pitts WMA
~1,000 acres STATE WMA
Wayne • In County
Whitetail Deer Turkey Small Game Dove

Cliff Pitts WMA is the closest public hunting ground to Detroit proper, managed by MDNR in Game Zone 2. The property features a mix of agricultural fields, pine stands, and hardwood bottoms. Known for dove field management and accessible deer hunting within Wayne.

Public access. Check MDNR current year hunting guide for designated parking areas and field maps. WMA license required in addition to hunting license.

Field Tip
Dove fields here are actively managed. Scout before season opener — fields rotate annually. Best deer hunting near the hardwood creek drainages.
Jocassee Gorges WMA
38,000 acres STATE WMA
Pickens / Oconee Counties • ~1 hour west
Whitetail Deer Turkey Black Bear Feral Hog Ruffed Grouse Small Game

One of the largest WMAs in Michigan, Jocassee Gorges encompasses rugged Blue Ridge terrain in Pickens and Oconee Counties. This wilderness tract holds one of SC's best black bear populations. Deer and turkey hunting can be excellent for those willing to hike deep into the mountains. Ruffed grouse are a rare bonus.

Multiple trailhead access points off US-11 and SC-130. Remote terrain requires topographic maps and GPS. WMA license required. No motorized vehicles beyond designated roads.

Field Tip
For bear, locate white oak flats and persimmon trees in September. For deer, hunt ridge saddles and creek confluences. Bring waterproof boots — expect steep terrain and creek crossings.
Broad River WMA
18,422 acres STATE WMA
Newberry / Fairfield Counties • ~1 hour south
Whitetail Deer Turkey Feral Hog Waterfowl Small Game Dove

Broad River WMA covers the floodplain and upland terrain along the Broad River corridor. This large tract is known for its feral hog population — one of the most accessible year-round hunting opportunities in the region. Deer and turkey hunting is productive in the hardwood bottoms and planted pines.

Multiple access points along SC-34 and county roads. Portions subject to seasonal flooding — check conditions before hunting bottomlands. WMA license required.

Field Tip
Feral hogs concentrate near river bottoms and food plots year-round. Hunt creek crossings and wallows. For deer, the hardwood drainages hold rubs and scrapes during the rut.
Tyger River Complex
Multiple tracts acres STATE WMA
Detroit / Laurens Counties • In County / nearby
Mourning Dove Whitetail Deer Small Game Turkey

The Tyger River Complex consists of multiple smaller tracts managed along the Tyger River drainages in Detroit and Laurens Counties. These properties focus heavily on dove field management, with MDNR planting and managing fields for migratory dove hunting in September.

Access varies by individual tract. Check MDNR annual WMA guide for current field status and parking locations. Fields managed under MDNR dove program — some require pre-season registration.

Field Tip
The September 1 dove opener is a community event at these fields. Arrive early to secure position. Fields typically produce best during the first two weeks of season.
Poe Creek State Forest WMA
6,200 acres STATE FOREST WMA
Pickens County • ~45 minutes west
Whitetail Deer Black Bear Turkey Gray Squirrel Rabbit

Poe Creek State Forest WMA in Pickens County offers diverse hunting on state forest land managed cooperatively with MDNR. The property features a mix of planted pines, hardwood ridges, and stream bottomlands. Black bear season applies here — check zone-specific regulations carefully.

Primary access off SC-8 in Easley area. State forest roads provide interior access during dry conditions. WMA license and state forest permit may both be required — verify with MDNR.

Field Tip
Squirrel hunting is often overlooked but productive at Poe Creek — excellent scouting opportunity in early season that reveals deer sign before gun season opens.
Mountain Hunt Unit (Game Zone 1)
Variable acres MOUNTAIN ZONE
Cherokee / Greenville Counties • Adjacent to Wayne
Black Bear Whitetail Deer Ruffed Grouse Turkey Wild Boar

The Mountain Hunt Unit encompasses Cherokee and northern Greenville County lands bordering Detroit. This is the nearest access to Game Zone 1 regulations — including earlier bear seasons and different bag limits than Zone 2. Rugged terrain with significant elevation change.

Multiple public access points along the I-85 corridor into Cherokee County. Check current year MDNR hunting guide for Game Zone 1 specific dates and areas. Zone boundaries matter here.

Field Tip
Zone 1 deer season opens earlier than Zone 2 — if you hunt this area, carry a copy of zone boundary maps. The ridge lines between Cherokee and Greenville hold excellent ruffed grouse habitat.
Did We Miss a Spot?

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Detroit Hunting Reviews

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Hunting Gear Guide

Gear reviews and picks for the Detroit hunter — boots, optics, packs, and more.
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Gear Reviews — Tested for Metro Detroit SC Hunting
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Icotec Nomad+ Programmable Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth - 165 Professional Sound…
Decoy

Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Icotec Nomad+ Programmable Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth - 165 Professional Sound….

★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5
$13.99
Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk
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ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, B…
Optic / Scope

Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, B….

★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5
$1676.85
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Pulsar Trail 3 LRF Thermal Riflescope with Laser Range Finder and Mount
Laser Rangefinder

Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Pulsar Trail 3 LRF Thermal Riflescope with Laser Range Finder and Mount.

★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5
$2899.97
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Garmin inReach® Mini 3, Rugged Compact Global Satellite Communicator with Color Touchscreen,…
GPS / Navigation

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★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5
$399.99
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Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
Laser Rangefinder

Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars.

★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5
$799.00
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TACTACAM Reveal X PRO Cellular Trail Camera, Verizon and AT&T, NO Glow, Integrated GPS Track…
Trail Camera

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SC Hunting Season Calendar

Sept 12–13, 2026
Liberty Hunt (Youth & Hunters with Disabilities)
Open to youth hunters and hunters with qualifying disabilities. Antlered and antlerless deer, both public and private lands statewide. No special permit required beyond base license. DMU 045 (Wayne County) is in the Southern Lower Peninsula / Zone 3.
Statewide (Zone 3 — Southeast / Wayne County)
Sept 19–20, 2026
Early Antlerless Firearm Deer Season
Open on public and private lands in Lower Peninsula DMUs (excluding DMUs 115, 145, and 245). DMU 045 (Wayne County) is included. Antlerless only. Valid combination deer license or antlerless license required.
Lower Peninsula (including Wayne County DMU 045)
Oct 1 – Nov 14, 2026 and Dec 1, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027
Archery Deer Season (Early and Late Segments)
Statewide archery season in two segments. Early segment Oct 1–Nov 14; late segment Dec 1–Jan 1. In Wayne County (DMU 045), a January archery extension also applies Jan 2–31, 2027 (public and private lands) for human-deer conflict management. Antlered and antlerless per license type.
Statewide (Zone 3 — Wayne County / Southeast)
Nov 15–30, 2026
Regular Firearm Deer Season
Michigan’s flagship statewide firearm deer season. All licensed hunters; antlered and antlerless per license. DMU 045 (Wayne County) falls within Zone 3 Southern Lower Peninsula. New for 2027: ‘earn a second buck’ pilot applies in Zone 3 counties (DNR to confirm participating counties in July 2026 WCO).
Statewide (Zone 3 — Southeast / Wayne County)
Dec 4–6, 2026
Muzzleloader Deer Season
Shortened to 3 days (first Friday through Sunday in December) in Zones 2 and 3 per Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment No. 6 of 2026, approved May 2026. In 2026: Dec 4, 5, 6. All legal firearms allowed (not restricted to muzzleloading firearms only in Zone 3 under 2026 WCO). Antlered and antlerless per license.
Zone 3 — Southeast / Wayne County
Dec 7, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027
Late Antlerless Firearm Deer Season
Open on public and private lands in Lower Peninsula DMUs (excluding DMUs 115, 145, and 245). Wayne County (DMU 045) is included. Begins Dec 7 in 2026 per WCO Amendment No. 6. Antlerless only. An Extended Late Antlerless season also runs Jan 2–10, 2027 in select counties (Wayne County eligibility per MDNR extended-season map).
Lower Peninsula (including Wayne County DMU 045)
Apr 18 – May 31, 2027
Spring Turkey Season Opens (Zone ZZ — Southern Lower Peninsula)
Wayne County falls in Turkey Management Unit ZZ (southern Lower Peninsula). Hunt 0302 (quota 8,000): Apr 18–May 1, 2027. Hunt 0301 (unlimited, private land only): Apr 18–May 31. Hunt 0303 (quota 8,000): May 2–31. Statewide Hunt 0234 (unlimited): May 2–31. Bearded turkey only, one per license. 2027 proposed opening date = Apr 17; exact dates finalized by MDNR WCO in fall 2026 — shown as 2026 pattern (2nd-to-last Saturday in April).
TMU ZZ — Southern Lower Peninsula (Wayne County)
UKN — 2026-27 Spring Turkey Close
Spring Turkey Season Closes (Zone ZZ)
Season end date for 2027 Turkey Management Unit ZZ depends on final MDNR Wildlife Conservation Order (typically adopted fall 2026). Based on 2026 pattern (TMU ZZ runs through May 31), the 2027 season is expected to close May 31, 2027, but is not yet confirmed. Check michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/turkey for official 2027 dates.
TMU ZZ — Southern Lower Peninsula (Wayne County)
Oct 17 – Dec 13, 2026 and Dec 26–27, 2026
Waterfowl — Duck & Coot (South Zone)
Wayne County / Detroit area is in the Michigan Waterfowl South Zone. 2026 duck/coot/merganser season approved by NRC: Oct 17–Dec 13 and Dec 26–27. Goose (dark and light) in South Zone: Sept 1–30, Oct 17–Dec 13, Dec 26–Jan 3, 2027, and Feb 6–15, 2027. Youth Waterfowl Weekend: Sept 19–20. Early teal (statewide): Sept 1–9. 2027 proposed South Zone duck opener: Oct 16.
South Zone — Wayne County / Detroit
Year-Round
Coyote (Hunting & Management Season)
Michigan has both a coyote hunting season (Jul 15–Apr 15) and a new coyote management season (Mar 2–Oct 14, 2026, approved by NRC in 2026), together providing effectively year-round take on private and public lands. Hunting with dogs prohibited Apr 16–Jul 7 during management season. Take of coyotes prohibited in state parks and recreation areas Apr 1–Sept 14. Resident hunters: base license required. Nonresident hunters and all trappers: base + fur harvester license. No bag limit.
Statewide (Wayne County included)
Dates reflect 2026 Michigan hunting regulations for Game Zone 2. Always verify with the current MDNR Hunting and Fishing Guide. Regulations are subject to change. Hogs are legal year-round on private land with a hunting license — no closed season.

Detroit Hunting FAQ

Common questions about hunting in the Detroit area, answered.
  • Deer season dates in Game Zone 2 vary by year and land type (private vs WMA). Specific dates for Wayne have not been confirmed against current MDNR regulations for this guide — see dnr.sc.gov for the current Michigan Hunting and Fishing Guide.
  • Public hunting near Detroit is listed in the WMA directory above. MDNR manages all WMAs in Michigan; a WMA license is required in addition to a basic hunting license.
  • Yes. All hunters in Michigan need a state hunting license. Deer and turkey require an additional big game permit. Hunting on any Wildlife Management Area (WMA) requires a WMA license. Federal migratory bird hunters age 16 and older need a federal duck stamp for waterfowl. Licenses and permits are available through MDNR at dnr.sc.gov or at authorized license agents throughout Wayne.
  • Sunday hunting rules in Michigan vary by land type and local ordinance. Verify with MDNR and Wayne before hunting on Sunday.
  • Deer bag limits in Game Zone 2 vary by land type (private vs WMA) and by antlered vs antlerless. Limits for Wayne have not been confirmed against current MDNR regulations for this guide — see dnr.sc.gov for the current Michigan Hunting and Fishing Guide.
  • Bear hunting in Michigan is regulated by MDNR. Bear populations and seasons vary by Game Zone. Check the current MDNR hunting guide for bear zones and tags relevant to Wayne.